Speculation about the fate of the cash ISA allowance has revived the debate about the merits of using a stocks and shares ISA to put your money to work in the financial markets.Regardless of whether the Government follows through on a reported plan to limit contributions to a cash ISA to £4,000, there is a strong argument for considering turning to the markets through a stocks and shares ISA...

Hotter-than expected UK inflation for January, with headline CPI up 3% year-on-year versus the 2.8% expected, combined with a volatile geopolitical backdrop, means investors should be seeking ways to protect their income.Shares has long championed the unique advantage investment trusts have when it comes to paying regular and progressive dividends, since these funds are able to hold back up to...

It can seem daunting to know where to start when making a first investment which may deter some people from starting at all. This would be a mistake because the sooner a start is made, the longer an investment is allowed to mature and provide capital gains and dividends.Waiting just a few years can reduce the potential saving pot over the long term. For example, assuming an investment of £100...

Largest ever investment trust combinationNew vehicle big enough for FTSE 100 inclusionLower ongoing charges to followTwo of the biggest investment trusts are combining in the sector's largest-ever merger, with Witan (WTAN) to be rolled into Alliance Trust (ATST) in a mega-deal expected to complete later this year.The combination of these FTSE 250 constituents will create 'Alliance Witan', an...

F&C Investment Trust (FCIT) Price: 974pGain to date: 4.42%We suggested investors buy F&C (FCIT), one of the oldest collective investment trusts in the world, back in October 2022 on the grounds it was a ?safe bet?.Fast forward 18 months to the spring of 2024 and the trust founded in 1868 and managed by Columbia Threadneedle is still delivering consistent returns despite a difficult...

We are weeks away from the end of the tax year and inevitably there is plenty of focus on ISAs ? whether that relates opening an account or using up existing allowances.In all the hoo-hah it?s easy to lose sight of just what a compelling vehicle this is for investors. Whatever you are investing for, whether it?s the cost of the kids? education, to supplement your income in retirement or to...

You have opened an ISA - congratulations, you have already taken one of the most important steps with investing, namely getting over the first hurdle.This article will talk you through the next steps so you can start putting your money to work in the markets and hopefully grow your wealth.STEP ONE: ESTABLISH YOUR INVESTMENT PURPOSEPeople invest for lots of reasons. If you are a parent you...

Net asset value up 4.7% vs 7.5% from FTSE All-ShareShare price total return -2.6%Aims to increase dividend this yearF&C Investment Trust (FCIT) disappointed shareholders in the first half of the year by underperforming its benchmark, the FTSE All-World Index, and offering poor returns.One of the oldest collective investment trusts (founded in 1868) reported a 4.7% rise in net asset value which...